Veins Of Obsession

Chapter 5: Whispers of the Past

Serena sat in her usual seat, trying to focus on the lecture. The professor was discussing the intersection of fiction and supernatural powers, his words weaving a tapestry of possibilities that both fascinated and unsettled her.

"Throughout history," the professor said, "people have believed in supernatural powers. But in fiction, these powers often reveal deeper truths about our fears, desires, and the human condition."

Serena's thoughts drifted, her mind a storm of confusion and curiosity. Do people in real life really have supernatural powers? The question lingered, heavy with implications she wasn't ready to face.

If my dreams are real, then what else could be true? Serena mused, her heart pounding. The memory of her childhood encounter with the mysterious figure in the forest resurfaced, bringing with it a wave of fear and anxiety.

She recalled the night vividly. At seven years old, she had found herself lost in the depths of a forest, unable to remember how she got there. The rustling of leaves and the swift movements in the shadows had sent chills down her spine. Then, from the darkness, a pale figure emerged, both beautiful and terrifying. His fangs glinted in the moonlight as he moved closer, his voice like silk. "I've finally found you. Come here," he had said, his words pulling at her like a hypnotic spell.

Serena had tried to resist, her head throbbing with pain. "Adrian!" she had screamed, a name she didn’t recognize yet instinctively knew would help her. Her headache eased, and a protective presence enveloped her. She saw only the figure's back, but it felt familiar and safe. The protector moved with lightning speed, grabbing the vampire by the throat and snapping his neck effortlessly. As the vampire's lifeless body fell, Serena felt a deep sense of relief.

The protector turned to her, his golden eyes mesmerizing and reassuring. "It's okay. You’re safe now. Sleep." His words had lulled her into a peaceful slumber, and she woke up the next morning in her bedroom, with no memory of how she got there. Every time she tried to recall the details, a splitting headache would stop her.

Back in the present, Serena felt a wave of confusion. Could it have been Adrian? But how? The man I saw was in his twenties, much older than Adrian would have been back then. Her heart insisted it was him, but her mind refused to believe it. Adrian is so mysterious. Maybe I should ask him about it.

The class ended, and Serena hurriedly packed her bag. Her friend Amelia caught up with her, curiosity written all over her face.

"Serena, why are you in such a hurry? Let's go to the café. Everyone wants to catch up with you. Lately, you’ve been spending all your time with that arrogant guy over there. He looks like he’s going to stalk and kidnap you or something. Seriously, the way he looks at you creeps me out. How do you even know him?"

Serena sighed, holding up her hand. "Hold on, too many questions at once. Let’s meet up, and I’ll answer everything."

She approached Adrian, feeling a strange mixture of frustration and longing. "I can't come to the library today. I’m meeting my friends."

Adrian smiled casually. "I was about to say the same. I have someone to meet, so I can’t meet up with you either."

A strange, squeezing sensation gripped Serena’s heart, but she brushed it off. "Okay. See you tomorrow then."

The café was bustling with activity, but Serena’s friends had their usual VIP spot. As she approached, she was greeted with questioning looks.

"Okay, okay, I’ll explain. Don’t look at me like that. I’m sorry for bailing on you guys recently. Adrian is helping me with some... imaginative problems."

Her friends' expressions shifted from curiosity to concern. Matt frowned. "Why him? He’s not a psychologist."

"Adrian has experience with things like this. He’s helped me before. I feel more secure talking to him about it than anyone else."

The revelation left her friends shocked. Serena had always kept her imaginative problems to herself, seeing them as a weakness. Her admission that she felt secure with Adrian changed their opinion of him, though Matt’s jealousy remained.

They spent the evening talking and laughing, enjoying each other’s company. By 8 PM, Matt offered to drive Serena home. She agreed, feeling guilty for neglecting her friends.

As they drove, Matt broke the silence. "Serena, can I say something?"

"Sure," she replied, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery.

"Don’t meet with Adrian so often," Matt said, his voice earnest.

"He’s dangerous. He’s not someone you should associate with," Matt warned, his voice tinged with urgency.

Serena's eyes flashed with defiance. "You don’t know him like I do."

"I know enough to see trouble when it’s staring me in the face!" Matt shot back, frustration evident in his tone.

"He’s not trouble. He’s been more helpful than anyone else!" Serena retorted, her voice rising.

"He’s manipulating you, Serena. Can’t you see that?" Matt's words were like sparks igniting a heated argument.

"He’s not manipulating me! He’s helping me control something you don’t even understand!" Serena's anger bubbled to the surface.

"You’re blinded by whatever charm he’s using on you!" Matt accused, his concern turning into accusation.

"I’m not blinded! I can see things clearly, unlike you right now!" Serena's words were a challenge.

The car seemed to shrink with the intensity of their argument. Each word was a clash of wills, a battle of perspectives neither was willing to yield.

Finally, the tension reached its breaking point. Serena demanded, "Stop the car, Matt!"

The screech of brakes echoed their discord as the car halted abruptly. Serena flung open the door and stepped out, her breaths coming in sharp bursts.

Serena stormed away from the car, her steps quick and purposeful. Matt hurried after her, his voice tinged with frustration. "Serena, can we talk about this?"

Serena spun around, her eyes flashing with anger. "Talk about what, Matt? Your unnecessary comments?"

"I just want you to be careful," Matt replied, his tone strained.

"I know how to handle myself," Serena retorted, her voice sharp.

Their argument hung in the air, tension crackling between them. Serena felt a surge of irritation, her mind replaying Matt’s derogatory remarks about Adrian.

Before Matt could say more, a luxurious car pulled up beside them, catching their attention. Adrian stepped out, his gaze shifting between Serena and Matt, his expression unreadable yet protective.

"Serena, everything alright?" Adrian’s voice was calm but observant.

Matt’s eyes narrowed at Adrian, his voice sharp. "You’re not good for her. She doesn’t need someone like you around."

Adrian met Matt's gaze evenly, his tone calm but firm. "You don’t know anything about me or what Serena needs."

"She needs someone stable, not a mystery wrapped in darkness," Matt shot back, his frustration palpable.

Adrian’s jaw clenched, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. "You’re judging based on assumptions, not facts."

"Facts? Like the fact that you’re always lurking around her, being all mysterious?" Matt's words were accusatory.

Adrian’s eyes flashed, a hint of anger seeping into his voice. "I have my reasons, and they don’t concern you."

"They do when Serena’s involved," Matt insisted, stepping closer to Adrian.

The tension crackled between them, each refusing to back down. Adrian’s protective instincts clashed with Matt’s concern, their clash echoing Serena's own inner turmoil.

Before the situation escalated further, Serena with her expression a mix of frustration and weariness. "Enough, both of you. This isn’t helping anyone."

Matt turned towards Serena, his expression softening. "I just don’t want you to get hurt, Serena."

Serena gaze softened , her voice gentle. "I understand your concern,Let's talk about it later".

Adrian's jaw tensed imperceptibly, a subtle sign of his inner tension, as his voice adopted a cool tone. "Serena, can I drop you home?"

Serena hesitated, her gaze flickering between Matt, who stood nearby with a concerned expression, and Adrian's car. She bit her lip, a fleeting moment of uncertainty crossing her features before she reluctantly nodded. Approaching the passenger side, her heart fluttered nervously upon spotting a striking woman already seated there. The woman exuded an aura of confidence and allure that immediately put Serena on edge, igniting a surge of jealousy and insecurity within her.

Turning to Serena with a polite yet subtly condescending smile, the woman spoke, her voice carrying a hint of superiority. "I’m sorry, dear. This seat is taken."

Serena's initial shock morphed into a complex blend of emotions—jealousy simmering beneath a mask of curiosity and a touch of resentment. Silently conceding, she moved to the backseat, avoiding direct eye contact with Adrian.

During the journey, Adrian made attempts at conversation, but Serena responded with aloofness, offering only distant nods. Her mind was a storm of conflicting emotions, each word from Adrian's lips triggering a mix of jealousy and confusion within her.

As they arrived at her home, Serena alighted from the car without a backward glance, her steps brisk as she made her way inside. The tumultuous whirlwind of emotions left her feeling unsettled and adrift, unsure of where she stood with Adrian and the enigmatic woman who had stirred such complex feelings within her.